5 tactics to bust America’s No. 1 job killer—Stress

What is the No. 1 reason people quit their jobs? Excessive stress, says a recent Watson Wyatt study of 93 large employers. The survey, however, said most HR managers underestimate the role stress plays in staff dissatisfaction.

Tevis Gale, a career coach and founder of Balance Integration, suggests you try these stress-busting tips for yourself and your employees:
1. Do a 15-second slowdown. Before you start a meeting or reply to one more e-mail—stop. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and breathe deeply to expand your torso. Exhale with as much attention. Repeat two more times.

2. Write a long-term to-do list. What small things can you do now to help you achieve something on that list? Even the smallest accomplishments are powerful stress-reducers.

3. Take a five-minute media moratorium. Walk away from your desk to clear your mind and focus on what’s important, rather than what’s popping up on your screen. Ignore all monitors—anything that beeps or blinks.

4. Schedule time for yourself in ink, not pencil. Whether it’s a regular haircut, a coffee break with a friend or exercise, mark them in your calendar in ink at regular intervals. Make a solid promise to take care of yourself, no matter how hectic your life.

5. Relieve afternoon stress with eye yoga. Scrunch your lids closed as you rotate your eyes three times counterclockwise and three times clockwise. Then relax your face, open your eyes and trace your gaze along your lower lids from corner to corner three times. Repeat on the upper lid.

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